CITY OF SAN FERNANDO – In a bid to further improve the province’s Early Childhood Care and Development Program, Governor Lilia “Nanay” G. Pineda eyes the provision of additional cash incentives to day care workers and day care centers duly accredited by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

“The role of day care workers on the development of preschoolers is very crucial. They help form the primary foundation for the children’s learning thus their compliance in the prescribed standardization by the DSWD is significant,” explained Elizabeth Baybayan, provincial social welfare and development officer.

The National Federation of Day Care Workers of the Philippines – Pampanga Chapter led by Ayra Angeles lauded the governor for her support and vowed to reciprocate her generosity through the further improvement of services provided to the children of the province.

“We are striving to inspire younger Kapampangans to be active, prepare them on how to mingle with other children and eventually enter formal schooling,” said Angeles.

According to Baybayan, the provincial government shall grant a monthly incentive worth P1,500 when either day care worker or center is accredited, or P2,000 when both are accredited, in addition to the current P1000-monthly subsidy received by day care workers.

“Seeking accreditation from DSWD is no small feat. That’s why the governor wants to reward the efforts exerted by the day care workers in creating a conducive and safe learning environment for the young Kapampangans,” Baybayan stressed.

As per the records shown by Joanne Guerrero, social welfare assistant, the province currently has 620 day care centers and workers, of which 356 centers and 367 workers are already accredited. More than half of the province’s child care facilities and providers now passed DSWD’s assessment, a significant increase from the previous year’s 16% accreditation.

The Capitol recently released a total of P3.1 million to cover the 5-month subsidy for 620 daycare workers.